Protection, Zack Merrick, All Time Low

32

A week later

Kimberly

"I'm so fucking tired." I complain, "And my uterus hurts and I'm bawling on the inside."

"How can I help baby girl?" Zack attempts to soothe, coming up behind me, wrapping his arms around me and rubbing my stomach as I unlock the door from getting in from the studio.

"I just need pain meds and I'll be okay." I promise. "But I wouldn't mind if you'd cuddle me for a little while as we watch a couple episodes of Friends before we have to head out to my parents house."

"Alright babe, lay down in our bed and I'll be there in a minute with your meds and a glass of water, is that okay?"

"Yes please." I whimper.

"Alright." He kisses me softly, and I head to the room to lay down.

He comes back in, and I'm sitting on the bed instead of laying down.  I would rather take a nice warm bath while he holds me in his arms, but with a bleeding vagina, I don't think that's the best idea, even if I do wear a tampon.

I take the meds and curl up onto the bed, sitting up a little bit, he puts the heating pad on me and I hum in approval, he wraps an arm around me and kisses me lightly. I turn on Friends on Netflix and cuddle into him, chuckling at Ross, my favorite character.

After a few episodes, it's five o'clock so we have to go to be at my parents house at six.

"We can wait five more minutes." I say, and move to kiss him, I wanted to taste his spring water tasting lips. We make out for six, and then we have to go, we straighten out our clothes and we go, and Zack has his hand on my leg the entire fourty five minute drive to my parents.

"Well, they already love you. No reason to worry." I assure Zack.

"You shouldn't worry either, I can see it in your eyes." He chuckles. "Can I kiss away your worries?" He jokes, and then moves to peck my lips.

"Ah, not that quickly you can't." I wink at him, and then move to kiss him again, full of passion and love.

I'm tempted to just go back home, but we can't.

"C'mon before they come out here." He says, chuckling at me.

I groan, but get out of the car. He takes my hand when we get to the door, and I knock before walking in. "Mum! Pap!" I call.

"In the back yard sweetie." Mum calls back, Zack squeezes my hand and we head out back.

"Mum, Pa." I hug them and sit across from them in the porch chairs. "It smells good, what are you grilling?"

"Le famousé Gaskarth burger."

"That sounds wonderful." Zack smiles, "Haven't had one of those in years. Best burgers ever."

"They are." I agree. "Pa would make them when they had come to visit."

"I'm glad you're home now, pea."

I blush at the nickname.

We sit chatting for a bit, and I smile at my parents getting along so well with Zack, I know they've loved him a while, but it still makes me happy that they approve of my boyfriend.

"Zack may I talk to you in the kitchen?" My father asks.

Zack nods, and he follows him into the kitchen, and I'm filled with anxiety.

"You look at him like he is your world. I looked at your father like that."

"Mum!" I gasp.

"You can't see it, but I can see the way he looks at you too, and he loves you just as much."

"Mummy, I do love him, and he loves me, but-"

"If he were to ask you to marry him, would you say yes?"

"Yes ma'am." I answer quickly. She smiles and hugs me, and I go inside to use the bathroom.

I stop by my old bedroom, and sigh contently, I missed it here,  but it held sad memories of my brother. Where would Tommy be now? Would Alex be in a band? What would I be doing? Would I still be dating Zack if I stayed in America?

I sit on my bed, and smile at the things around my room. "Baby girl?" I hear Zack call,  coming up the stairs. I quickly wipe my tears.

"I'm in my old room." I smile, he comes in,  and sits beside me, I run my fingers through my hair, and try and smile.

"What's wrong?"

"I miss him." I whimper. I fall into his arms, and he craddles me like I'm a puppy in his arms.

"It's okay, he's in a better place now, he's happy."

"I know, I just miss him." I sigh,  he craddles me a few minutes longer and then let's me go.

"We should go. It's getting late." I tell him, not wanting to be in here anymore.

We say goodbye to my parents, and head out, listening to music,  but all I can think of is the song Brother by Falling In Reverse.

Brother, why'd you have to go?
You left us all so soon.
Remember that song I wrote about your family years ago?
Well, they're all waiting for you to come home.

What do I do?
What do I say?
And Dad tells me to pray.
So I prayed and prayed but the hurt won't go away.

The pain gets worse, it never stops,
And I've asked the Lord for us to swap.
I beg and plead, 'cause you have kids to feed.

Why is it always stormy weather?
And brother,
Tell me if it all gets better.
Why did you leave?
Why did you die?
You finally made your brother cry.
I know you're watching over us tonight,
And I hope you're watching over us tonight.

I'm sorry I missed your call.
I wasn't there for you at all.
And know, I've thought it through,
Maybe if I answered you
That you would still be here all along.

Now, no more calls.
Can't you see,
I took for granted family.
And once they're gone, you'll never get that back.

No more laughs,
No more hugs,
So hold on to the ones you love.
Your soul is free,
I love you, Anthony.

And why is it always stormy weather?
And brother,
Tell me when does it get better?
Why did you leave?
Why did you die?
You finally made your brother cry.
I know you're watching over from above,
So hold on to the ones you love.